Catholic churches in downtown Singapore joined this year’s Singapore Night Festival, an annual arts and culture event that highlights the rich heritage of the Bras Basah-Bugis district.
Since 2008, the festival has featured local and international artists, performances, and light installations. Three historic Catholic churches in the area — the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Saint Joseph’s Church, and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul — have participated.
The 2025 edition, which opened on Aug. 22 and runs until Sept. 6, included programs at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Saint Joseph’s Church, both of which organized concerts, heritage tours, and religious item sales.
Rector Father Jude David told the congregation during the cathedral’s lunchtime Mass on Aug. 22 that the parish’s involvement was “our means of continuing to do the work of evangelization.”
“As non-Christians come into the cathedral to look around and join the activities here, we also pray that by meeting the community, they also meet Christ,” he added.
On opening night, visitors enjoyed sacred music performed on organ and violin inside the cathedral.
The following evening, the Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ presented a multilingual repertoire ranging from traditional hymns to modern sacred songs.
Saint Joseph’s Church also hosted choral music on Aug. 22, followed by a guitar duo performance the next night.
The church’s façade was illuminated in colorful light projections as part of the installation display.
The initiatives drew appreciation from visitors. “I felt it was very nice of the church to welcome anyone to listen to their music, even if they might not be Catholic,” said Janice Liew, 35, a Protestant.
